Millions across the GCC Living with the Stigma of Incontinence

Nearly 42% of Women in the UAE Suffer from Urinary Incontinence: Abu Dhabi Conference to Tackle the Region’s Hidden Health Crisis

The landmark ICS-EUS 2025 conference will showcase the latest innovations in continence care and promote patient-first approaches that emphasize prevention, holistic wellbeing, and culturally sensitive care across the GCC.

Dr. Yaser Saeedi, President of Emirates Urological Society (EUS) speaking at an EUS Conference in Dubai

• Nearly 1 in 4 women across the GCC live with incontinence, yet only a fraction seek treatment
• Congress to explore key themes including Andrology, Uro-Oncology, and Urotechnology, with a spotlight on the digital revolution in continence care

September 1, 2025; Abu Dhabi, UAE – Urinary or fecal incontinence affects nearly one in four women across the GCC, yet fewer than 30% seek treatment. Too often concealed by stigma and misconceptions, the condition quietly undermines quality of life, disrupting work, family responsibilities, and even spiritual practices. With obesity, diabetes, prostate conditions, and neurological disorders on the rise, the challenge is intensifying.

This September, Abu Dhabi is taking a bold step forward to address it. From 17–20 September 2025, UAE’s capital city will host a first-of-its-kind gathering as the International Continence Society (ICS) and the Emirates Urological Society (EUS) come together for their landmark ICS-EUS 2025 conference. Bringing together ICS’s global expertise in continence research and EUS’s regional leadership in urology, the event will welcome global experts to the region for the very first time, creating a space to share knowledge, explore the latest innovations in continence care, and highlight approaches that put patients first—focusing on prevention, holistic wellbeing, and care that respects the cultural needs of communities across the GCC.

This four-day conference is a must-attend for urologists, gynecologists, geriatricians, physiotherapists, nurses, allied health professionals, and anyone dedicated to improving continence care in the GCC. Designed as an immersive learning experience, it brings together cutting-edge lectures, practical workshops, and interactive roundtables—equipping medical professionals with insights and skills they can put into practice right away to enhance patient care.

“The ICS-EUS conference is more than a scientific meeting—it’s a chance to break the silence around incontinence, reduce stigma, and bring practical solutions to patients’ lives,” said Dr. John Heesakkers, General Secretary of ICS. “By combining cutting-edge research with innovative technology, we can empower healthcare providers to make real, measurable improvements in care.”

The conference will also highlight how technology is reshaping continence care, from AI-driven diagnostics and mobile monitoring tools to personalized treatment plans. Delegates will learn about advances in pelvic floor therapies, neuromodulation, regenerative medicine, and surgical innovation.

As local host, the Emirates Urological Society (EUS) will organize four dedicated workshops and four expert-led roundtables, ensuring participants gain both theory and direct mentorship. Designed to enrich the scientific content of the congress, these sessions will explore critical themes in urology and its sub-specialties, including Andrology, Urolithiasis, Uro-Oncology, and Urotechnology.

“The UAE’s urinary incontinence treatment market is expected to grow from USD 8.1 billion in 2025 to USD 13.9 billion by 2031, fueled by aging populations, rising obesity and diabetes rates, and new minimally invasive therapies. ICS-EUS 2025 offers a rare platform for clinicians to gain practical insights, exchange expertise, and build connections with regional and international peers,” said Dr. Yaser Saeedi, President of EUS.

Research shows that overweight women face a 35% higher risk of urinary incontinence, with obesity nearly doubling the likelihood. In the UAE, where nearly 30% of adults are obese and over 17% live with diabetes, the burden of incontinence is growing. Alarmingly, nearly 42% of women in the UAE are affected by urinary incontinence (UI), making it one of the most under-diagnosed and under-treated health conditions.